Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a
Shop Samsung Galaxy
Galaxy S20 Ultra
Starting at
£269.45£1,199.99 new
Google Pixel 3a
Starting at
£155.00What's the difference between the Galaxy S20 Ultra and Google Pixel 3a?
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. Refurbished, the Google Pixel 3a starts at £155, £114.45 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra. The Galaxy S20 Ultra is the newer model, released in 2020.
Refurbished from
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- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
- The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger screen: 6.9 inch vs 5.6 inch.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a specs
The Galaxy S20 Ultra and Google Pixel 3a differ in size, screen quality, camera detail, and battery capacity. The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a much larger and sharper display with a higher resolution Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, ideal if you want a more immersive viewing experience. It also has significantly more RAM and storage, which suits multitasking and storing more apps and media. Its battery is larger, supporting longer use between charges. The Pixel 3a is smaller and lighter, making it easier to handle and carry. Its specifications support everyday use well and it includes an eSIM option for flexible mobile plans. Both phones run Android and are unlocked, so your choice depends on whether you prefer a bigger, more powerful device or a more compact, straightforward one.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a price
Colour
- BlackSold out
Storage
- 64GBSold out
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a battery life and software updates
Battery life and software compatibility are important for everyday reliability. Battery capacity differs notably, affecting how long each device can run before needing a charge.
Battery Capacity
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a 5000 mAh battery, which suits users who need longer usage times, such as heavy app users or those often away from charging points. The Google Pixel 3a has a 3000 mAh battery, better suited for lighter daily use or shorter periods between charges.
Operating System
This means software features and security updates will be similar on both, making OS support an equal factor in your choice.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a performance
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a screen
Screen size, resolution, and type influence your viewing experience. The Galaxy S20 Ultra offers a larger and higher resolution display with a newer screen technology, while the Pixel 3a provides a smaller screen with a solid OLED panel.
Screen Size and Resolution
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's 6.9 inch screen is considerably larger than the Pixel 3a's 5.6 inch display, offering more space for video, gaming, and multitasking. Its resolution of 1440 x 3200 means sharper images and text compared to the Pixel 3a's 1080 x 2220 resolution, which suits those who value high detail.
Screen Type
The Galaxy S20 Ultra uses a Dynamic AMOLED 2X screen, providing bright and vivid colours with smooth visuals. The Pixel 3a has an OLED screen, which also delivers good contrast and colour but with simpler technology. If screen quality for media is a priority, the S20 Ultra is designed to impress.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a camera
Camera performance affects how detailed your photos and selfies will be. The S20 Ultra offers much higher megapixel counts, catering to users who want very detailed images. The Pixel 3a provides solid camera capabilities for everyday photography.
Main Camera Detail
The Galaxy S20 Ultra's main camera has 108 megapixels, capturing very high levels of detail suitable for cropping or large prints. The Pixel 3a's 12.2 megapixels are better suited for everyday photos and sharing online.
Front Camera Resolution
With a 40 megapixel front camera, the Galaxy S20 Ultra is designed for very detailed selfies or video calls. The Pixel 3a's 8 megapixel front camera supports good quality self-portraits and video but with fewer pixels.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a size and design
Other features like storage, size, and SIM options affect how you use and carry your phone every day. These differences may help you pick the device that fits your lifestyle.
Storage and Memory
The Galaxy S20 Ultra comes with 128GB of storage and 12 GB of RAM, which suits users who keep many apps and files on their phone or multitask often. The Pixel 3a offers 64GB of storage and 4 GB of RAM, fitting well for users with lighter app use and fewer storage needs.
SIM and Memory Expansion
The Galaxy S20 Ultra includes a dual physical SIM slot and a microSDXC slot for expanding storage, which is useful if you want to use two SIMs or add more memory. The Pixel 3a supports one physical SIM and an eSIM, offering flexibility for mobile plans but no option to expand storage.
Size and Weight
The Galaxy S20 Ultra measures 166.9 mm by 76 mm and weighs 222 g, making it a larger and heavier device. The Pixel 3a is smaller at 151.3 mm by 70.1 mm and lighter at 147 g, suited to those who want a more compact and pocket-friendly phone.
Mobile Network and Carrier
Both phones support 4G networks and are unlocked, giving you freedom to choose or change your mobile carrier without restrictions.
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Galaxy S20 Ultra or Google Pixel 3a: which should you buy?
Buy the Galaxy S20 Ultra if
- you want more RAM (12 GB vs 4 GB)
- you want a bigger battery (5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh)
- you want a bigger screen (6.9 inch vs 5.6 inch)
Buy the Google Pixel 3a if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £155, £114.45 less than the Galaxy S20 Ultra
- you want a lighter build (147 g vs 222 g)
What our customers say
Customers who chose the Galaxy S20 Ultra often praise its condition and performance, saying it looks like new and runs apps quickly. Many appreciate its large battery life and good camera quality. Some mention the phone feels substantial due to its size and weight, while others note the phone's screen and battery life meet their expectations well. A few customers highlight excellent condition and satisfaction after extended use.
Pixel 3a customers report satisfaction with the phone's condition and ease of setup. The smaller size appeals to those wanting a lighter device. Some users mention the phone runs well for everyday tasks, though a few note slower performance or minor charging issues. The Pixel 3a's flexibility with eSIM and physical SIM is appreciated by some customers. Overall, the Pixel 3a is seen as a reliable choice for simpler daily use.
Both phones suit different needs: the Galaxy S20 Ultra fits those looking for a large, powerful device with strong visuals and camera features, while the Pixel 3a suits buyers wanting a compact, straightforward phone for everyday use.
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a FAQs
Galaxy S20 Ultra vs Google Pixel 3a comes down to the RAM, battery and screen size. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has more RAM: 12 GB vs 4 GB. The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Google Pixel 3a is cheaper refurbished, from £155 compared with £269.45 for the Galaxy S20 Ultra.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a bigger battery: 5000 mAh vs 3000 mAh.
The Galaxy S20 Ultra has a higher-resolution main camera: 108 megapixels vs 12.2 megapixels.
Updates for the Galaxy S20 Ultra ended in Mar 2025. Updates for the Google Pixel 3a ended in May 2022. Its last version is Android 12.1.
Refurbished, the Galaxy S20 Ultra comes in 128GB, and the Google Pixel 3a in 64GB.
